Is it possible to set the mode on the Lidar-Lite if I’m not using the LIDARLite library? I’m following the instructions for the Speed Trap on the sparkfun website, but I want to use it in a parking lot. The distance is too short in whatever mode it is in by default (2?). I see a list of the different modes, but I only see code for setting the mode with the LIDARLite library.
The code that I’m using only uses the Wire.h and avr/wdt.h libraries (https://github.com/sparkfun/Speed_Trap).
Outside, the display isn’t very bright and the LIDAR doesn’t seem to work nearly as well (didn’t work at all for a running person outdoors like it does indoors). Indoors from about 10-12 feet away, it works very well for a person running. I’m hoping that changing the mode to longer distance will help with detecting objects better when outdoors. It sure is fun indoors.
I’m just an assistant principal, so please be patient with my lack of Arduino technical skills. I apologize in advance.
Thanks in advance,
Mike
Is it possible to set the mode on the Lidar-Lite if I’m not using the LIDARLite library? The distance is too short in whatever mode it is in by default (2?). I see a list of the different modes, but I only see code for setting the mode with the LIDARLite library.
That would be possible, but you'd need to write your own code that duplicates the function you're trying to emulate in the library. It's a lot easier to just use the library and there's plenty of space in the Arduino's memory to run the library in addition to the rest of the example code for the speed trap.
Outside, the display isn’t very bright and the LIDAR doesn’t seem to work nearly as well (didn’t work at all for a running person outdoors like it does indoors). Indoors from about 10-12 feet away, it works very well for a person running. I’m hoping that changing the mode to longer distance will help with detecting objects better when outdoors. It sure is fun indoors.
Changing the mode might help the range issue somewhat but I don't have any examples for doing that. The code examples that Garmin provides with the library and the datasheet might give you some clues as to what to add. Range in sunlight is going to be reduced somewhat by the fact that sunlight contains a lot of IR light and the Lidar is using the reflection of a IR laser to take measurements. With lots of sunlight, the Lidar has trouble distinguishing it's light from the reflected sunlight.
As for the display brightness, unfortunately we don’t have a brighter display but you might be able to buy or build a brighter display. If you’re using our display, a hood or shroud over the display to keep sunlight off of it might help. I once made my own “giant” 7 segment displays but cutting sections of 12 volt LED tape and arranging them on a piece of foam board. With a colored lens in front of the display and the right color LEDs, I was able to see them in daylight.